Play a Day: Good-bye, Dear Friend

A man and a woman sit on a bench, holding hands. A box of tissues are on the windowsill beside them. Quiet instrumental music plays.

The man grabs a tissue and sobs for a moment before calming himself again. The woman leans her head on his shoulder and squeezes his hand tightl, silent tears falling down her cheeks.

A nurse enters stage left. She says, “It’s time.” The couple stand, hug, and exit the stage after the nurse, hands still clasped tight.

Moments pass. The music still plays.

The man and woman enter stage left. The man holds a collar with a bell in his hand. The couple cross the stage. The man stops when they reach stage right, and the woman stops behind him. He turns, placing his head on her shoulder. He cries for a moment and she holds him close.